ISSUE-58: Scalability of URI Access to Resources

scalabilityOfURIAccess-58

Scalability of URI Access to Resources

At the 13 Aug 2007 telcon, the TAG resolved[1] to create a new issue to track the problems associated with accessing popular URIs. This issue arose as a result of discussing Ted Guild's request for a "best practices"[2] document on caching.

Web architecture advocates identifying important resources with URIs, most often http: URIs. But when a resource is very popular and its use is associated with attempts to get a representation, use of http: URIs can lead *in practice* to a crippling volume of traffic on particular web servers. In principle, the web has mechanisms to cope with this problem, but it remains a real problem in practice nevertheless.

The TAG will consider attempt to determine what, if any, recommendations, guidelines, best practices, or technology changes would help alleviate the practical problems associated with the scalability of URI access.